I was, of course, wrong. As we drove through the beautiful Dutch countryside, reveling in a warm, sunny day, our eyes and hearts were captivated by everything we saw.
But when we hit Edam, I felt as though I was in some sort of a movie set in a town I could never begin to imagine. A town of cheese! The Willy Wonka of Dairy!
You may well have heard of Edam cheese.
We were enchanted by its slightly soft consistency and slightly strong flavor.
The woman at the shop assured us -- this was really Edam cheese, and not that stuff they import. (Or export, as the case may be!)
But we were delighted to discover that Edam is much more than just cheese!
It was a charming small town with picturesque streets.
Again, the windows simply captivated me with their simple lace curtains like this one...
...and this.
...enchanting street-side homes...
...and shops. This one was clearly ready for Queen's Day!
I really wish I'd bought one of these wigs.
Note the flag -- the Dutch flag is the three colors -- red, white and blue -- but on Queen's Day, an orange strip hangs alongside it.
As we entered the town we crossed this rather impressive bridge.
From that bridge I shot what might be my favorite photo from the trip -- a man with his dog and two cats, enjoying a warm day as he sat by the canal reading the paper. (Part of this may be cut off. as Blogger so often does with this template, so please click on the photo for full effect.)
And this was the view. Just look ahead and imagine what that town would be!
There were, of course, many canals. How I loved the canals.
The thought of living on a houseboat is a romantic one. And I'm sure I'd go crazy after the first week. But really, wouldn't you like to spend a night here?
And bicycles. Everywhere, bicycles.
Shopkeepers.
Carefully tended flower pots.
Everywhere I looked, I found something charming, something different.
I simply couldn't stop shooting!
In the end, I had to say Edam was more than just the cheese...
...but the cheese was pretty spectacular!
And it's not an overstatement to say I loved Edam.
A perfect day with perfect companions in Tara and David. Who could ask for more? Not me!
22 comments:
Your photos really capture the charm and sunshine!
Charming is the perfect description for what you have shown us. I love seeing the views of the street-side homes.
Hi Jeanie,
Thank you so much for this wonderful tour! I love the wooden Dutch shoes hanging on the wall.
Everything is so beautiful.
fondly,
Penny
The name of that shop "De Kast" means "The Cupboard", which is as inviting a name for a shop as I've ever come across. And with all my dutch heritage, I never knew they hang orange strips on their flags on Queen's day. So even with Holland, I still learn from you!
I can't stop laughing at your "Willy Wonka of Cheese." Super genius!!!!! It looks very nice, very quaint and pleasant. Tranquil I think would be the word I would use.
I love these pictures, and I honestly think that the Netherlands might be my favorite place in the world to visit as a tourist. Everything feels so human-scale, so accessible. I love the lace curtains and the wooden shoes. And then, of course, there is all that delicious cheese -- what a great place (and a great tour) Thanks!
Delightful! You make me want to go to Holland.
I never met a cheese I didn't like. The candid photo of the gentleman enjoying his paper with his cats and dog is great.
Fast falling for the charms of Edam too! I love the Edam cheese...mmm... Well, I love most any cheese really! That pic of the man reading with cats and dog is so sweet! :o) Your should write a travel book, Jeanie! ((HUGS))
I love Holland too; I had the good fortune to live close to the Dutch border, able to pop across and visit easily.
I also love the Dutch nature, friendly and open to the world and about the most tolerant people I've come across.
I’m so far behind with my blog reading - what a treat to do some armchair traveling!
This looks like such a welcoming country. Thanks for sharing all your glorious photos.
Both of these towns are so charming and filled with beautiful places...! As always, I feel like I have had a little bit of a trip here myself, because of your wonderful pictures! I am familiar with Edam Cheese---The "real" stuff...and how wonderful that you were actually there in the town of Edam!!!
This is such a BEAUTIFUL Country...!
Love the stroll through the streets view - it looks so cozy! Mmm...I'd be up for any type of cheese - love it!
Leann
Another post full of gorgeous photos! I love that picture of the man and his dog and cats. I can see why that is a favorite photo of yours! And the canals! And the bikes! I would like to stay in a house boat for a week or so! My sister did that with her husband's family and they had an awesome time!
Oh my dear Jeanie...my armchair can hardly contain itself this morning as I travel to Edam with you...absolutely delightful and wonderful in every way
Thank you so so much for sharing...traveling through your eyes and camera lens is truly special!
oxo
p.s. I am hungry for cheese thank you very much :)
I would like to see a photo of you eating Edam cheese while wearing an orange wig!
Exquisite photos! I love the cheeses particularly. They look like humongous beads. I've been enjoying the virtual tours you've taken us. Thanks for another wonderful post, Jeanie.
Gosh I've just read the above comment of Joyce (who is my cousin...well more of my sister). Geeeeezzz Joyce...I'll have to get back to you on that one and kick you in the rear end. hahah.
Well Jeanie I LOVE the fact that you LOVE Edam. My husband and I have friends in Seattle wich we took there several years ago (accually 15,5 years ago today couse I was pregnant with Jesse). And they were as much in love with it as you were. Did you know those woodenshoes we wear them. And once they get old and almost worn out we hang them on the walls like you've seen with flowers. Typical dutch. Check out my post of today and you be amazed.
Well my friend. I missed out a lot but scrolled all the way down and started to read were I had left of. Time is an issue for me these days to spent it on blog. But I'm so gladd to read about your trips. Can't wait what lays ahead of us.
Be well and wonderful hugs ever.
Dagmar
ps. I forgot to mention that you are a stunning photographer. Wonderful shots over and over again.
Bye. D.
What a cornucopia of pictures. I can't choose my favorite, but it might be the window with the lace curtains and the flower pots in front.
Now I'm wondering - is the Edam I've bought here "real" Edam, or a poor substitute? I'll have to check more carefully - I may have missed the real thing in my search for a bargain!
I loved the photo of the man and the cats. Of course I thought of Gypsy - it's such a lovely image.
As for that canal boat - I'd live there in a minute. I lived for a year on a 31' Catalina sailboat, and even though it was a bit like living in a floating pup tent, it was quite pleasant. I would have preferred something other than an alcohol stove in winter - lots of moisture to be cleaned up - but other than that, it was great. You couldn't have a craft room in such a place, though!
Beautiful! I love the lace curtains, the hearts in the window, and especially the man with his two cats and dog. But how I would love a round of that cheese. Did you bring any home or can you travel with cheese in the suitcase? It looks so good and the village of Edam so delightful to visit. Oh course, you had the best tour guides ever.
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